Hackers may aim to steal our personal accounts. This is something that affects social networks, email or any online service that we use. In this article we are going to talk about the case of Facebook, which is one of the favorite platforms for cybercriminals. Let's explain how they can steal our account and, most importantly, what to do to avoid it.

Methods to steal a Facebook account

Cybercriminals will use different strategies to get the password and access the account. The methods they use are constantly updated and perfected, so we must always be protected and not fall into the trap. We are going to show what are the most common methods and what you should know.

Phishing attacks

The first method they can use is what is known as a Phishing attack. It is very common for steal passwords of all kinds. What the attacker does is send an email or message where he pretends to be a legitimate page. In this case it could pretend to be Facebook. You will make believe that there is a problem with the account, some data that needs to be changed, etc.

Basically what they are looking for is the victim's attention. They are going to try to click on that link they have created to be directed to a fake site. In this way, all the data you put will go to a server controlled by the attackers. This also includes the password for the Facebook account.

Malware and keylogger

They can also use malware to steal passwords. In this case the usual is a keylogger, which is a type of malicious software that is responsible for collecting everything we put on the keyboard. You will know what passwords we put, username or any data that they can use against us.

Here we can also name the Trojans. It is a type of malware that hackers use to gain access to a system. They could see stored passwords, data that we have saved, or simply act as if they were really in front of our device.

Brute force or divination

Of course, another option they have is simply guess what the Facebook key is. This can be accomplished if we are using a weak password, which can be easily found out. For example, if we use our name, date of birth or any data that may relate to us.

Brute force will work especially with what we mention. If we use a weak, predictable key, they can use different combinations until they find the correct one. For example if you use your name or mobile number, simple combinations of type 1234 and the like.

Spyware

Through spyware, which is basically malicious software that you can collect data for example from the browser, they could also steal passwords. This is used to obtain compromised information from the victim and they use very diverse strategies, such as queuing files through e-mail, downloads, installing programs that are false…

In this way, through this malicious software they will be able to collect very varied personal data. It is another method used to steal Facebook password and gain access to our account without permission.

Linked applications

Something similar happens with other services and applications that we can link to Facebook account. You can link other Internet pages, other social networks, platforms to buy online ... You can even use Facebook so you don't have to register and log in to those other services.

But the problem comes when you link an application and it is not reliable. That can be used by hackers to steal the password and take control of the social network.

Filtered keys

In addition, the Facebook keys or any other social network could be leaked. It is not usual, especially when we talk about reliable platforms, but it can happen. Basically it means that there has been a problem with that service that we use and the passwords have been filtered on the network.

This is when hackers are going to take advantage of access to user accounts. They could find out the key, see personal data, read messages…

How to avoid these attacks

As you can see, hackers can use different methods to steal a Facebook account. It is important that you take steps to avoid problems of this type. So let's give some advice to protect the account as much as possible and avoid problems that affect our privacy.

Protect the account well

Of course, the first thing you should do is correctly protect the account. It is important to use one password that is strong and complex, since that will avoid brute force attacks or divination. Never use keys that contain personal data, such as your date of birth, name, etc. It has to be random, have the following:

-Letters ( both upper and lower case )
-Numbers
-Special symbols
Also, it is a good idea to enable two-step authentication. To do this you have to go to the menu on the top right, you enter Configuration and privacy, Configuration, Security and login and there you give Authentication in two steps. It is an extra security barrier, since it will ask for an additional code to the password.

Use security programs

You also need to have security software. A good antivirus, such as Avast, Bitdefender or Microsoft Defender itself, is going to help you avoid very varied computer attacks. Always make sure to use a suitable one, that works well and is updated correctly.

In case you mistakenly click where you shouldn't or download a dangerous file, the antivirus may launch a warning warning warning and even automatically delete it. You can ensure that your security is always protected and minimize the risk of your Facebook account being stolen.

Install official applications

If you are going to install an application to use Facebook, make sure that the program you use is official. Cybercriminals can use maliciously modified software and pass it off as legitimate simply to steal access codes. Therefore it is important that you always install official software.

For this you can go to the official Facebook website or also use reliable application stores, such as Google Play or Microsoft Store. On those sites the programs will pass a filter and you will avoid installing modified software.

Have everything updated

It is also important to have the latest versions of those programs that you are going to install, but also of the system itself. Sometimes hackers could exploit vulnerabilities that may be in a system. They could thus gain access to the Facebook account, for example.

In the case of Windows, to update it you have to go to Start, you enter Configuration, you go to Windows Update and there you make sure to add the latest versions that are available. It is important that you do not leave any files hanging without installing, as it could lead to security problems.

Common sense

But if there is something important it is common sense. In many cases hackers are going to need us to commit some error. For example, that we open a faso link, that we download a fraudulent file or that we expose the Facebook password in some way without us noticing.

Therefore, to prevent this from happening it is important not to make mistakes. You should always maintain common sense, be alert and protected when browsing the Internet and use social networks of this type.

In short, as you can see, it is essential to be protected on the net to prevent your Facebook account from being stolen. Attackers could use very different methods and should be prevented. Using security programs, having everything updated or avoiding making mistakes will be essential to achieve this.